Installing a shower shelf in a tile shower can add useful storage space and enhance the look of your bathroom. With some basic tools and materials, this is a DIY project that most homeowners can tackle. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a shower shelf in a tile shower.
Page Contents
- 1 Supplies Needed
- 2 Step 1: Select Installation Location
- 3 Step 2: Mark Tile for Drilling
- 4 Step 3: Drill Holes in Tile
- 5 Step 4: Insert Wall Anchors
- 6 Step 5: Attach Mounting Brackets
- 7 Step 6: Apply Adhesive to Shelf
- 8 Step 7: Mount Shelf Against Wall
- 9 Step 8: Apply Caulk Around Edges
- 10 Step 9: Seal Around Mounting Holes
- 11 Step 10: Grouting the Shelf
- 12 Helpful Installation Tips
- 13 Troubleshooting Common Issues
- 14 Maintenance
- 15 Conclusion
Supplies Needed
Before starting this project, you will need to gather the following supplies:
- Shower shelf
- Tile adhesive
- Grout
- Grout sealer
- Caulk
- Level
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
The shower shelf can be purchased at any home improvement store or online. Choose a shelf made of water-resistant material like stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic. Get a shelf designed for shower installation with appropriate mounting brackets.
Step 1: Select Installation Location
The first step is to decide where you want to install the shower shelf. Consider the layout of your shower and where you have room for a shelf. Most homeowners install a shower shelf on the rear wall of the shower, but you can also mount it on a side wall. Choose a location that will be conveniently reached from within the shower.
Hold the shower shelf up at the desired installation spot. Make sure there is enough room for the size of the shelf you have purchased. Check that it mounts properly on the tiles and clears any shower fixtures. Use a level to ensure the shelf will be mounted straight.
Step 2: Mark Tile for Drilling
Once you have selected the installation location, mark the positions of the mounting holes on the tile. Place the shelf back up on the wall and use a pencil to mark the center of each mounting bracket hole. Make sure the marks are evenly spaced if you are installing more than one bracket.
Remove the shelf and use the holes on the mounting bracket itself as a guide to mark the holes to be drilled. Place the bracket against the wall over your original pencil marks. Use a pencil to carefully mark the holes within the bracket onto the tiles. You want the holes centered within the mounting brackets for stability.
Step 3: Drill Holes in Tile
With your marked tile ready, it’s time to drill the holes. You will need a carbide tipped drill bit designed for drilling through tile. Put on your safety glasses before drilling.
Drill directly into the marked holes you made in the center of each mounting bracket. Apply firm pressure as you drill but don’t force the drill. Use water or lubricant to keep the drill bit cool. Drill slowly through the tile until you have penetrated the wall behind it.
Go slowly to avoid cracking or chipping the tile around the holes. The depth you drill will depend on the thickness of your tiles and what material is behind them. Drill just deep enough to allow your mounting screws to securely anchor.
Step 4: Insert Wall Anchors
With your holes drilled, you can now insert wall anchors for the mounting screws to grip. Plastic sleeve anchors are ideal for a tile shower installation. Tap the anchors into the holes gently using a hammer until they are flush with the tile.
Make sure not to tap the anchors in too far or they will not have room to expand behind the wall surface. The ends of the anchors should sit perfectly flush with the tile once inserted fully.
Step 5: Attach Mounting Brackets
Now you are ready to mount the shelf brackets to the wall. Place the shelf up on the wall and align the mounting brackets over the holes. Insert the mounting screws through the bracket holes and into the wall anchors.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to securely screw each bracket into place. Be careful not to overtighten the screws. The anchors just need to be snug enough to firmly hold the shelf.
If your shelf came in multiple pieces, screw the supporting brackets in place first. Then attach the actual shelf above them using additional provided hardware.
Step 6: Apply Adhesive to Shelf
Before permanently mounting the shelf, you need to apply tile adhesive. This provides important protection against moisture getting behind the shelf. Apply a thick bead of adhesive all the way around the shelf’s back edge.
You can use a standard white tile adhesive. Carefully squeeze the adhesive onto the shelf edge so it sticks out about 1/4 inch. This adhesive bead will seal against the tile once the shelf is installed.
Step 7: Mount Shelf Against Wall
With adhesive applied, you can now permanently fix the shelf to the wall. Hold the shelf up to the mounted brackets. Line up the shelf so the brackets fit into the appropriate slots or holes on the shelf. Then firmly press the shelf toward the wall.
The adhesive bead should flatten between the shelf edge and tile. Hold the shelf in place for at least 1 minute as the adhesive makes contact with the wall. The adhesive will help seal and prevent water getting behind the shelf edge.
Carefully remove any excess adhesive that squeezes out around the shelf edge. Let the adhesive fully dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower shelf.
Step 8: Apply Caulk Around Edges
Once mounted on the wall, you need to caulk around the outside edges of the shelf. This will provide another barrier against moisture. Apply a steady bead of silicone caulk all the way around the top and sides of the shelf.
Smooth the caulk with your finger for a clean finish. Make sure you caulk any small gaps between the bottom of the shelf and the tile. Let the caulk fully cure for at least 6 hours before using the shower.
Step 9: Seal Around Mounting Holes
The last waterproofing step is to seal the mounting holes themselves. Squeeze silicone caulk into each mounting screw hole in the tile. Completely fill the holes flush with the tile.
This prevents water from dripping through the holes behind the shelf. It also gives the installation a neat, finished look. Let the caulk cure fully before using the shower.
Step 10: Grouting the Shelf
You can finish the installation by grouting around the shelf to match your existing shower tile and grout. Apply grout around the outer edges of the shelf where it meets the tile using a grout float.
Push the grout fully into any crevices between the shelf edges and tile. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge. Once the grout has cured, apply grout sealer to protect it from moisture.
Let the grout cure for 72 hours before exposing it to water in the shower. Your shower shelf is now securely installed and ready for use!
Helpful Installation Tips
Follow these tips for the best results installing your shower shelf:
- Use a carbide tipped drill bit made to drill through tile and ceramic
- Apply painter’s tape around the mounting holes before drilling to prevent tile chipping
- Go slowly when drilling and let the bit do the work
- Wipe away any tile dust after drilling before mounting the shelf
- Make sure adhesive and caulk fully cure before using the shower
- Grout, seal, and caulk carefully for maximum waterproofing
- Consider hiring a professional if you don’t feel comfortable drilling into tile
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any problems installing your shower shelf, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Tile cracking around holes | Use a new drill bit, drill slower, and apply tape before drilling |
Mounting screws stripping | Don’t overtighten screws, use plastic anchors, and drill deep enough holes |
Shelf unlevel or tilted | Use a level, check tile surface is even, use tapered plastic shims if needed |
Shelf loose or pulling away | Allow adhesive and caulk to fully cure before use, tighten mounting screws |
Grout cracking | Allow grout to cure fully before exposure to moisture, apply grout sealer |
Maintenance
To keep your shower shelf looking like new and prevent issues:
- Check caulk and grout periodically and reapply as needed
- Tighten mounting screws if the shelf ever feels loose
- Clean with mild soap and water only
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on the shelf
- Re-seal grout lines annually with fresh grout sealer
- Watch for signs of any moisture getting behind the shelf and re-caulk if needed
With proper installation and periodic maintenance, a shower shelf should serve you well for many years before needing replacement!
Conclusion
Installing a shower shelf in tile takes careful planning, the right materials, and attention to detail. But with these step-by-step instructions, you can successfully add this useful upgrade to your tile shower. Mount the shelf securely, caulk and seal it properly, and it will stay safely in place while withstanding the wet shower environment.
A shower shelf adds attractive and convenient storage space. Just be sure to do the job right by carefully drilling the shelf mounts, waterproofing with adhesive and caulk, and sealing the grout lines. Follow the tips above and you can install a shower shelf in your tile surround and enjoy the extra storage space.